Released by: Dissonance Productions

Release Date: Out Now!!!

Genre: Metal

Links: https://www.facebook.com/grimreaperofficial/

Tracklist:

At the Gates
Venom
What Lies Beneath
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle
A Knock At The Door
Rush
Only When I Sleep
Line Them Up
Breakneck Speed
Under The Hammer
Shadow In The Dark

I remember when I was younger, flipping through magazines like Circus and Hit Parader, compiling lists of bands and albums I needed to get my hands on. At the time it felt do or die really. Much like the older version of that young guy, music was the most important thing to me. I’ve always been a bit of a loner, never feeling entirely a part of any particular group though able to interact with about anyone. That continues to my advanced years. I distinctly recall seeing the ads for two albums, in particular, See You In Hell and Fear No Evil. Long before I heard a single note of music I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the music of Grim Reaper was something I would identify with. I even secretly considered myself a fan of those ads alone. It wasn’t until their third album Rock You To Hell that I finally realized what I knew all along: I love Grim Reaper. That was one of those albums that were played repeatedly on my cassette deck. I just couldn’t get enough. I managed to hear most of the first two albums, but it wasn’t until much later in life that I finally acquired those two albums as well, by this time The Reaper ceased to exist… until three years ago when the voice of Grim Reaper, Steve Grimmett, put together a new band under the moniker Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper and unleashed an album I was over the moon to finally hear.

Continuing on that trajectory SGGR is back with a fantastic follow-up, At the Gates. Much like Walking In the Shadows, At the Gates is a straight forward, meat and taters kind of metal album. There are no frills, there are no major changes sonically, and Steve and the boys have hatched eleven more metal classics for their faithful followers. Of course, I had to add no major changes sonically as Steve’s life has taken a dramatic turn of events since the last album, namely the loss of one of his legs due to infection. As he’s struggled to return to the stage and get his life back on track, with additional personal setbacks he has had to face, it is nothing short of a miracle that Grimmett is not only back at it, but seemingly better than ever. Standouts include “What Lies Beneath,” “Line Them Up,” and my personal favorite “Shadow In the Dark.”

I will forever be indebted to the music of Grim Reaper and for the people behind the songs. One of the key bands that got me through some tough times (as well as great ones) I rank them very high on my list of favorites. I was tickled when Steve brought the band back with new music, and I’m even happier that Mr. Grimmett is still with us. Someday I hope to get to see them live. We shall see, but even if that never comes to pass I will always have these brilliant albums, At the Gates being the latest, to keep me entertained for years to come.

Written by: Chris Martin